The main celebration of World Press Freedom Day 2018 will take place in Accra, Ghana from 2 to 3 May 2018. The event will provide a platform for a variety of actors to exchange on the interplay between the media, the judiciary and the rule of law, within the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It will thus be of particular relevance to Sustainable Development Goal 16 which focuses on promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies. The event will foster discussion and promote understanding and awareness about current challenges to freedom of expression as well as achievements.

World Press Freedom Day 2018 will feature a wide range of sessions (plenaries, debates, lightning talks, etc.) that will address the following sub-themes:

1. Press freedom, access to information and elections
2. The justice system supporting free and safe journalism
3. Freedom of expression online: improving self-regulation.
Some 100 national events around the world are expected to complement the main celebration.

The President of Ghana Mr Akufo-Addo, is expected to attend. Participants will also include representatives of civil society, media organizations, professional associations, academia and the judiciary.

On 3 May, UNESCO will award the UNESCO/ Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to an individual or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the defence of press freedom.

Two other components of the main celebration will heighten its impact. First, an Academic Conference on the Safety of Journalists will foster greater synergies between academic research and the work of media development practitioners. Second, a youth newsroom will sensitize young reporters and media students to emerging challenges regarding freedom of expression, through live coverage of a major international event while being mentored by media professionals.

The event will also feature at least one photo exhibition and a film screening, as well as various cultural performances.